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High avalanche risk for most of region
Most of the East Kootenay is now under a high avalanche risk, according to Avalanche Canada this morning (Feb. 2).
There is a high avalanche rating for the mountain national parks (Kootenay, Banff and Yoho).
“There’s plenty of loose snow available for transport, and big winds are forecast for Friday and Saturday. This in conjunction with incoming snow will likely induce another avalanche cycle,” warns Avalanche Canada.
A ‘high’ avalanche warning from Avalanche Canada means conditions are “very dangerous. Travel in avalanche terrain not recommended. Natural avalanches likely; human-triggered avalanches very likely. Large avalanches in many areas; or very large avalanches in specific areas.”
There is also a high avalanche risk for the Purcell Mountains, stretching from the North Columbia to the US border.
“Avalanche danger will increase as new snow and strong winds load the snowpack. Recent storms have been very effective at triggering deeply buried weak layers and a similar pattern is expected in the coming days,” Avalanche Canada stated.
The avalanche risk is also high in the Lizard Range and Flathead, while the South Rockies have a “considerable” risk today and a “high” risk tomorrow (Feb. 3).
“Snow forecasts are uncertain and the snowpack is untrustworthy. Conservative decision making is critical,” Avalanche Canada said.
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